If you find yourself wondering, “what can you do with an information technology degree?,” the good news is the versatility of the degree offers you plenty of options to consider within the field. Dive into the technical world of information technology and learn more about jobs with an IT degree that may be available to you.
What Job Can I Get with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology?
If you are exploring jobs with an IT degree, consider adding the following potential options to your list. These important roles help maintain companies’ IT health, ensuring that organizations run smoothly and operations run as expected. In addition, these roles are helping to advance organizations’ technology to evolve with the tech landscape. Any of the options you can consider from the list below will provide an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of IT.
- Computer Systems Analysts: Computer systems analysts assess an organization's computer systems and procedures, designing solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently. They analyze user requirements, procedures, and problems to automate or improve existing systems and workflows. This role often involves a blend of technical expertise and business acumen to bridge the gap between IT and business objectives.
- Computer and Information Systems Manager: These professionals, according to ONET Online, oversee an organization's computer-related activities, including implementing and managing computer systems, networks, and technology infrastructures. They are responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, and directing the work of IT teams to ensure that organizational objectives are met through effective use of technology.
- Computer Network Architects: Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, such as local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and intranets. They evaluate business requirements and develop network solutions that meet performance, security, and scalability needs. This role requires expertise in network protocols, hardware, and software.
- Information Security Analysts: Information security analysts protect an organization's computer systems and networks from cyber threats. They monitor systems for security breaches, investigate security incidents, and develop security standards and procedures. Information security analysts also implement security measures such as firewalls, encryption, and access controls to safeguard sensitive information.
- Software Developers: Software developers design, develop, and maintain software applications or systems to meet specific user needs or business objectives. They analyze user requirements, design software solutions, write code, and test applications to ensure functionality and usability. Software developers work across various industries and may specialize in areas such as web development, mobile app development, or enterprise software.
- Software Quality Assurance Analyst: Software quality assurance analysts are responsible for ensuring that software products meet quality standards and perform as expected. They develop and execute test plans, identify and report bugs or defects, and work closely with software developers to resolve issues. Quality assurance analysts use testing tools and methodologies to validate software functionality, usability, and performance before release.
- Application Development Director: Per ONET Online, this technical role oversees the development and implementation of software applications within an organization. They manage teams of developers, set project goals, and ensure that applications meet business requirements and quality standards.
- Computing Services Director: Responsible for managing the computing infrastructure and services within an organization, the work of a computing services director includes overseeing network operations, server management, and IT support services to ensure smooth and secure operation of the organization's IT systems.
- Data Processing Manager: This important position is in charge of managing the processing of data within an organization. The purview involves overseeing data entry, validation, processing, and storage procedures to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and security of data operations.
- Information Systems Director (IS Director): According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), he IS director oversees the overall strategy, development, and management of an organization's information systems. They align IT initiatives with business goals, ensure information security, and manage IT budgets and resources.
- Information Systems Manager (IS Manager): Similar to the IS director, an IS manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of an organization's information systems. They coordinate with various departments to implement and maintain IT systems that support business operations.
- Information Technology Director (IT Director): Based on updated information from career site Indeed, this role involves setting the strategic direction for an organization's IT infrastructure and services. IT directors manage IT policies, budgets, and resources, ensuring that technology initiatives align with the organization's objectives.
- Information Technology Manager (IT Manager): IT managers oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems within an organization. They manage IT teams, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure the security and efficiency of IT operations.
- MIS Director (Management Information Systems Director): Responsible for overseeing the planning and implementation of management information systems that support decision-making processes within an organization, reports the BLS. They ensure that information systems meet the needs of management and contribute to the organization's strategic goals.
- Technical Services Manager: Glassdoor describes a technical services manager a role involving managing technical support services within an organization. Technical Services Managers oversee help desk operations, hardware and software installations, and maintenance to ensure that users have access to reliable IT support.
- Computer and Information Research Scientists: These professionals conduct research to advance the field of computer science and solve complex problems in various industries. According to the BLS, they may work on developing new algorithms, improving networking protocols, or designing innovative software systems.
- Business Intelligence Analysts: Business intelligence analysts analyze data to provide insights that help organizations make informed business decisions. They collect and analyze data from various sources, create reports and visualizations, and identify trends and patterns to support strategic planning and decision-making.
How to Start a Career in Information Technology
If you’re interested in getting started in the field of IT, the BLS recommends a Bachelor’s in Information Technology or a related field. Computer and information systems managers, for instance, generally require a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or related fields, such as engineering technologies. These programs entail coursework in computer programming, software development, and mathematics. Additionally, they typically integrate business courses alongside computer-focused ones. From here, the more years of experience and on-the-job training you receive, the better prepared you are to potentially advance to higher-level roles such as manager, director, etc.
Overview: What Can You Do With an Information Technology Degree?
Information technology is a world burgeoning with opportunity, and every industry requires it in some form to function. Whether you decide to investigate a career as a software developer, data processing manager, or business intelligence analyst, there are plenty of jobs with an IT degree waiting to be explored. The rapid evolution of technology hopefully ensures that new and exciting roles continue to emerge, offering a dynamic landscape for IT professionals to thrive and to make significant contributions in various fields.